Training programme on 'Sustainable Water Management' for engineers of Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, Government of Nepal: February 12-15, 2012

Training programme for Sustainable Water Management was organised by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MPPW), Nepal between February 12-15, 2012. Two training workshops namely ‘Urban Rainwater Harvesting’ and ‘Decentralised Wastewater Recycle and Reuse’ were held under this programme. Each of these workshops was for two days - Decentralised Wastewater Recycle and Reuse was held between February 12-13, 2012 and Urban Rainwater Harvesting was held between February 14-15, 2012. Both the programmes were organised at Nagarkot for engineers in the ministry.

To encourage rainwater harvesting in Nepal, a working policy on rainwater harvesting was formulated in 2009 by MPPW. The MPPW, with its departments; in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, is promoting the application of rainwater harvesting through research, piloting and evaluation of all relevant aspects of the rainwater harvesting system. Different municipalities in the Kathmandu valley have also announced tax rebate for citizens incorporating rainwater harvesting in the new constructions. Need is for mainstreaming the implementation of rainwater harvesting in the country. Inadequate sewage disposal system and treatment facilities have resulted in high levels of pollution in river Bagmati. The wetlands and other water bodies in Nepal also face the threats of encroachment and pollution.

Speaking at the inauguration session of the workshop, Mr. Tulasi Prasad Sitaula, Secretary, MPPW, stated the usefulness of rainwater harvesting and decentralised wastewater treatment including recycle and reuse for sustainability of the water resources in urban areas. He emphasised MPPW commitment towards skill enhancement of ministry officials and to implement pilot projects showcasing good practices in sustainable water management area in Nepal.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Rohilla, Programme Director, Urban Water Management CSE, highlighted the need and the usefulness of the decentralised rainwater harvesting and decentralised wastewater treatment for sustainable urban water management in Nepal.

The trainings are first in the series of various activities to be undertaken for supporting Nepal government officials under a three year partnership between CSE-MPPW. The focus of these trainings was to impart skills to engineers of MPPW in implementation of urban rain water harvesting systems and decentralised waste water recycle and reuse. Both the training programmes were attended by eighteen engineers from the ministry and allied departments.